MConnected Ltd joins Northumbria University Project Developing Space-Qualified Infrared Sensing Technology
Project backed by a NESCA award will develop AI-driven infrared sensing for small satellites and space platforms
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, UK — August 1, 2026 — MConnected Ltd has been named industry partner on a new research project developing intelligent, low-power infrared sensing technology for space applications. The project is backed by an award from the North East Space Cluster Awards (NESCA) programme, led by Northumbria University.
The project, “Intelligent Infrared Sensing Module for Space Application,” is headed by Dr Jiguang Li, Assistant Professor in the School of Computer Science at Northumbria University, with MConnected Ltd. serving as the industry partner. The award falls under NESCA's Technologies theme.
The work advances energy-efficient, AI-driven infrared sensing intended to strengthen resilient space communications, building on approaches such as NASA's MFS-TOPS-108. The system is designed to enable on-board anomaly detection and autonomous optimisation, converting gigabyte- and megabyte-scale far-infrared imagery into kilobyte-level intelligent features — sharply reducing the volume of data that must be downlinked to Earth.
Designed and tested for the harsh conditions of space, the compact sensing module will produce validated prototypes and performance data suited to small satellites and other sub-space platforms.
By anchoring development and demonstration work in North East England, the project aims to build regional capability in space-qualified infrared-AI systems — strengthening local SMEs and supply chains and positioning the region as a hub for intelligent space sensing technology.
“We are delighted to collaborate with Northumbria University on such a prestigious, groundbreaking Infrared (IR) innovation. As the industry partner, MConnected's role is to integrate novel IR sensor outputs into meaningful data sets critical for the maintenance of space-related assets,” said Peter Johnson, CEO of MConnected Ltd.
“MConnected has now partnered with several academic centres of excellence, focusing specifically on the IR vertical. Our focus for the next three years is to bring significant new technologies not only to the space industry but also to the defence, transport and critical infrastructure monitoring sectors,” Johnson added.
About NESCA
The North East Space Cluster Awards (NESCA) programme is led by Northumbria University in partnership with Durham and Newcastle Universities, the North East Combined Authority, Space North East England, and the North East Space Leadership Group.
About Dr Jiguang Li
Dr Jiguang Li received his Ph.D. in electrical engineering from the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA, in 2012. He is currently an Assistant Professor in the School of Computer Science at Northumbria University. He previously worked as a Research Fellow at the North of England Robotics Innovation Centre (NERIC), University of Salford, and has held roles at innovation companies in China and the USA.
About MConnected Ltd.
MConnected Ltd. is an Asset Intelligence company applying AI and IoT through a “Predictive IoT” approach, delivering projects across critical infrastructure, predictive maintenance, space and defence. Close academic partnerships with universities specialising in IoT sensor and AI research turn early-stage technology into real-world applications. Its AI-powered platform analyses large datasets to flag maintenance needs pre-emptively, giving customers instant predictive analytics through an easy-to-use chat interface for faster, data-driven decisions.
Media Contact
Andrew Bland, COO
MConnected Ltd.